4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Queenstown, New Zealand!

Queenstown, located in the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island, rapidly developed after the discovery of gold along the banks of the Shotover River in 1862, sparking a gold rush. It is said that the town came to be called "Queenstown" because people remarked that it was "a town fit for a queen to live in."
The jade-colored Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range, Coronet Peak, and the well-maintained townscape are truly beautiful and endlessly attract tourists. In summer, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, trekking, jet boating, rafting, kayaking, and horseback riding. In winter, it becomes a paradise for skiing and snowboarding—making it a year-round haven for adventure! Here are 4 recommended tourist spots in Queenstown.

1. Milford Sound

Milford Sound is located in the southwestern part of the South Island. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in nature-rich New Zealand. This stunning location is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the main access route to it is from Queenstown.
When you visit Milford Sound, don’t miss taking a cruise! You can get an up-close look at the fjord landscape carved by glaciers, and the roar of the waterfalls made from melting snow is incredibly powerful. Experience the untouched wilderness at its finest!
There are plenty of tour desks in Queenstown. You can join a tour that fits your travel schedule. In addition to bus tours, there are sightseeing flights that let you look down on Milford Sound from above.

2. Bob's Hill Lookout (Bob's Peak)

From anywhere in Queenstown, you can see the Skyline Gondola. Ride it up to Bob's Hill Lookout! From 800 meters above sea level, you can enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu, which changes color depending on the time of day—something tourists really enjoy. You’ll also see the Remarkables mountain range and Coronet Peak in the distance, like a real-life postcard.
There’s a restaurant at the lookout where you can enjoy a New Zealand buffet while taking in the stunning views. It’s always bustling with tourists. There are cafes and souvenir shops too, so you’re guaranteed to have a great time!
There are several activities at the lookout, and the most popular is the Luge Ride. It’s a favorite for families—ride a luge and race down the winding track you saw from the gondola. You can also join the stargazing tour that started in 2013, where you can look for the Southern Cross and make special memories.

3. Kiwi Park Queenstown

If you haven’t seen a real kiwi bird yet during your New Zealand travels, make sure to visit Kiwi Park Queenstown! The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, is a flightless and endangered species that is carefully protected by the country. This popular tourist spot offers you the chance to see these fascinating birds up close.
Kiwis are nocturnal birds. If you enter the dark enclosure and focus your eyes, you’ll be able to spot the adorable kiwi! You’re lucky if you get to watch them walk around or eat. Besides kiwis, the park is also home to other native New Zealand birds and the tuatara, a reptile said to be a living relic from the dinosaur age.
For tourists from Japan, there’s a free Japanese audio guide available, so be sure to take advantage of it!

4. Arrowtown

Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a historic town that boomed during the gold rush after gold was discovered in the Arrow River in 1862. Its only main street, which runs parallel to the river, is a beautiful tree-lined avenue. Lined with souvenir shops and cafes, it's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and relax. More than 60 buildings have been restored to recreate the town’s appearance during its gold rush era, making you feel like you’re walking through a movie set.
They say there might still be gold dust in the Arrow River! If you try your luck and find any, you’re free to take it home. It’s common to see tourists trying their hand at gold panning. While you’re staying in Queenstown, it’s a fun side trip to add to your itinerary.

◎ Summary of Queenstown Tourist Spots

In New Zealand, the seasons are the opposite of Japan’s. During the winter season, using Queenstown as a base to visit the surrounding ski resorts is very popular among young travelers! Escaping Japan’s scorching summer heat to go skiing sounds like the perfect getaway, right?
And when it’s Japan’s cold winter, it’s summer in New Zealand—considered the best season for sightseeing. Staying in Queenstown, you can take trips to places like Milford Sound or Mount Cook, and enjoy countless activities that are impossible to choose from. There’s so much excitement! If you challenge yourself to try bungee jumping, which originated in New Zealand, it might just change your life. Queenstown is the perfect base for exploring New Zealand, offering fun for both adults and children!

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4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Queenstown, New Zealand!